Synopsis

Gaurav Thapar’s dark humour book Calcutta Dope starts hilariously with Calcutta dope Dhananjay and French dope Max going about lusting after women and food in Calcutta. To top up the ridiculousness of their situation is Dhananjay’s choice of career after a hot shot MBA: music industry. His interactions with his filmi colleagues at the music company he joins and the underbelly of music industry like Bhojpuri Pop star Gudda Rangeela are a riot act.

The metrosexual perspective of Calcutta comes alive what with its forward women, vibrant night life and a veritable gastronomic buffet on disposal. The young in Calcutta are wild, live in the moment and are unapologetic. So it's Park Street, which has displaced Howra Bridge as the defining landscape of Calcutta.

Parallely another narrative is placed in front of the reader::the deep, poetic, passionate love and eventually hate relationship Dhananjay shared with Vaishali, his colleague from his first job in the southern panorama of Kerala. The relationship which Dhananjay feels is a soul connection with Vaishali but ends up destroying because of his obsession with her...and the guilt of which makes him fear solitude and escape into his hedonistic world.

Back in his hedonistic world comes another twist in the tale: a trekking trip to Sikkim with Max’s French friends which starts ostensibly to mingle with the ladies in the group but becomes living hell for Dhananjay, challenging his limits physically and emotionally as he is forced to confront solitude and his past with Vaishali..

Things become psychedelically interesting when Vaishali’s path crosses with Dhananjay’s again but by this time Dhananjay has ceased to differentiate between reality and imagination, good and bad. But there is some hope, a psychologist friend can take him out of the rabbit hole back to the confines of reality and judgment. Will he?

Had submitted a review but it seems it got deleted. Dont know how. Anyway, had lots of expectations from this book based on the reviews seen so far. But not up to mark as per its super high reviews and recommendations. It was too pushy in terms of characters events being forced on the reader. Hope this review does not get deleted again.

I'm not sure if this the first attempt of the author, but what a fantastic one. Must say the author has great potential. Makes me crave for more narratives from this guy. What is unique is the dark humor which appealed to me the most. The characters have been laid out quite exquisitely and neatly to build the person in one's mind. The description of calcutta is accurate. Overall makes me feel nostalgic. Great drama, great wit and punchy humor to keep one engrossed and curious till the end. Its difficult not to like and relate to the character of Dhananjay. Strongly Recommended !!

In an era where the plethora of authors attempt to depict city centric nuances hit the stands but fall short of promise, Gaurav Thapar shows a promise of a fresh writing without resorting to blatant marketing.

The story moves in loosely connected anecdotes but comprehensively sewn together.I like the freshness with a dry and blunt wit, without complicating the language found in many wannabe authors.

While I have never fully understood the concept of jump cuts in motion picture pictures, but of whatever little I could feel, this books seems to provide some flavor of it.

Very well written...I like Dhananjay in spite of his being edgy...thats the power the writer has brought to the story...one could very much imagine the characters and emotions that are there.
Looking forward to find it in stores soon :-)

Gaurav Thapar

want to explore Calcutta now deeply ...
never thought dat city is full of such dfrnt things ... but Calcutta is now on top position in my wish list to visit ( wanna visit earlier but was not so keen )... all credit goes to author of d book ... wud love to read more books from author !!!

Gaurav Thapar

swarup

If Lapierre's City of Joy captured the spirit of Calcutta of its slums, of its tribulations, Calcutta Dope provides a great promise to mildly and contextually open up the underbelly of the Calcutta or for that matter any modern Indian city youth through the eyes and experiences of Dhananjaya to the uninitiated reader. While underbelly might seem a bit of a backhanded connection, but to me the book is a bold attempt for an unhindered exploration of the trivialities, concerns and conflicts faced by the youth of our times, not just in this city but for most of us in any art of the world. In this era of endless stream of informations, choices and friends, and unabashed questioning of every moral code, the inner agonies of the guy next door, is what I feel Calcutta Dope is presenting. The book loosely tries to derive from several genres ranging from classics, to the fast moving Sheldon types, as well as the start and stop and loosely blurring thoughts found in several modern writers of the types of Seth or Ishiguro, while convincingly reflecting the authors honest attempt to discover his own style.

The comparison of the yellow taxis of Calcutta to the floating condoms, is the place where the author sets the tone for some beautiful imagery reminiscent most prominently only in the theatre movement of Kolkata these days and also of the French New Wave.

While its difficult to review a book without fully reading, but would certainly pick this up for a full read once published

Gaurav Thapar

"Sexcapades of two completely sluttish men in the clamour of the metro"- just unputdownable. Read in one go. Though IIM"ians" get high paid jobs with very less time,but when option heads for "music industry" and "brain" slips down to pants else can happen. Funny and articulated writing. Enjoyed thoroughly. Being filled with trials on completely wrong "bengali words" made it more hilariously enjoyable.

seeing the reviews was really excited to pick this one up...the first chapter was gripping b ut after I started the second chapter it was just a drag...didnt enjoy it...didnt quite relate to the writing...also didnt enjoy the flow...could have really been better....

The beginning is very interesting but the grip was lost a few pages down. I like the writing style, its a good attempt. But got lost few times while reading the story. There is lack of imagery and descriptions. I wish there was more of that!

Gaurav Thapar

three things that catch your attention here : an outsiders impression of the kolkata city used effectively to drive forward the story, the situational comic instances and raw yet effectively fresh writing of the author.

Gaurav Thapar

Its a good piece of writing. The narrative style is brilliant and you kind of see characters in front of you. That is the essence of a beautiful script, that you actually visualize Dhananjay in front of you. He is that typical hateful character that you love. You secretly justify everything he does in your mind and that's why he is the hero of the story.
Its a wonderful work of fiction. The writer has good future ahead.

Gaurav Thapar

Gaurav Thapar

Highly enjoyable read. The plot is gripping and the author's attention to little details about Calcutta literally takes you in middle of Calcutta and you feel that you are part of the story. Looking forward to read the whole book.

Gaurav Thapar

I like where the story is going. The author's love for metaphors is evident and he's done it well. The language is simple and the writing style is such that it doesn't let the reader off the hook. The only improvement I would suggest is a few more minutes of attention on capitalization of letters (it's all mixed up).

Gaurav Thapar

The first three chapters are interesting. Off to a promising start. Would like to read the rest of the book. What I liked: 1. Not the usual run-of-the-mill story; we get to see the raw, pulsing, naked side of Calcutta and the unusual career choice and its upsides and pitfalls; not the formulaic romantic story either, something different. 2. The unabashed honesty of the narrator; we get to listen to what really is going on in his head. 3. Interesting characters. 4. Sarcasm, dark humour. 5. The enigma surrounding the girl. What I didn't like: Lack of detail.

Gaurav Thapar

Page turner. But in the second chapter, it appears as of there is some slowdown. But again in the third chapter rushes through very fast. It was thrilling and never appeared like a debut novel. Good job. Would like to read further:) All the best!

Gaurav Thapar

Key highlights of the book so far include (i) Adequate overdose of Dark Humor (ii) vivid and colorful painting of Kolkata (almost Cool-kata) (iii) Apparent moral bankruptcy of the narrator which is likely to be just a shell and counter-reaction to his past.... waiting for layers of the Onion to peel away

Gaurav Thapar

Awesome plot. For people less familiar with Kolkata it still keeps you glued.I feel like going to Kolkata and reading this book which would make experience much better.quite gripping plot and well written to keep readers glued to it. Waiting for the book.

Gaurav Thapar

Ratna Gandhi

Very interesting. the words paint a picture in my mind.. almost like watching a movie! not a typical novel but very intriguing and gripping.. the author has done a great job. waiting for the whole book to be out.

Ratna Gandhi

Very interesting. the words paint a picture in my mind.. almost like watching a movie! not a typical novel but very intriguing and gripping.. the author has done a great job. waiting for the whole book to be out.

Ratna Gandhi

Very interesting. the words paint a picture in my mind.. almost like watching a movie! not a typical novel but very intriguing and gripping.. the author has done a great job. waiting for the whole book to be out.

Gaurav Thapar

I like the plot and the free flowing style of author. A couple of minor irritants which can surely be handled by better editing: a) Overdose of acronym IIM b) Overuse of round brackets, either to explain the context or simply to say something unrelated, do more harm than good by breaking the rhythm of sentence.
All the best. Look forward to reading rest of the book.

Gaurav Thapar

Unputdownable! As a fellow Joka-ite, could easily relate to the story. However, it was the character building part with specific intrigues that was the highlight of the short preview. Description of Calcutta. and Joka were heartwarming, to say the least. Eager to go the whole hog and share a more detailed review. The genre seems to be dark humor- something that gives a kick. Look forward and all the best to the pro (despite being the first timer..)

Gaurav Thapar

This is the first book that I have read here. Indeed, as has been mentioned in other reviews as well, the book starts on an exciting note with signs of a bestseller in making. There is an instant connect that you make with the characters and the plot appears to be intriguing at first. The author adds more depth to the novel as he mixes the personal life of the main protagonist with his professional trials. But the honeymoon is short-lived as the story seems to lose the sheen and promise it shows in the beginning. The characters and their roles become a little unrelatable towards the end. But overall, a nice first attempt.

Gaurav Thapar

Haven't been to Calcutta so I don't think it'd be wise to comment on how you captured the city-vibes. I liked the way you often digress from the situation (reminds me of Seinfeld & real life :) ). Those exact moments are a window to the heart & mind of the author. e.g. That bit about your handwriting (I've seen how bad it is :) ). Was expecting more description of the place where the guys live; as in the room, their private space (would've added depth to the imagery on their lives). Anyhow, I enjoyed the 60 odd page trip & am looking forward to the full version. (Smart move stopping the sample preview at that very moment :P ). The only thing that bothered me were the frequent IIM-cal references. They do more harm than good (IMHO). Cheers & Congrats.

Gaurav Thapar

Off to a very promising start. One thing I really liked is the creation of "atmosphere"...I've never been to Calcutta but already started forming mental images of the characters and places described. The dark humor is delicious.

Gaurav Thapar

THIS IS AN AMAZINGLY WELL WRITTEN PIECE... IT COMES AS A SURPRISE THAT THIS AUTHOR IS WRITING HIS FIRST BOOK. THIS IS A VERY RELATABLE BOOK WITH CIRCUMSTANCES BEING SUCH THAT YOU CAN EASILY RELATE TO... THE VARIOUS CHARACTERS SEEM TO REMIND YOU OF SOMEONE YOU HAVE MET.... A WELL BALANCED BOOK, WHICH I WOULD BE WILLING TO BUY OF THE SHELF.

Gaurav Thapar

The book started as a great read and for a while held my attention. But soon it started to fade off. I felt as if the story was being rushed a little bit. Writing style was pretty good and the dark humor was a great touch.

Gaurav Thapar

Based on the reviews this was the 1st book that i read here, but as amazingly awesome the start was, the follow through were not as majestic unfortunately. For eg. description about characters could have been lot more in tune with what the story and the characters have to do in sync. Something is missing as we read further.

Gaurav Thapar

Liked how the book bega but soon it faded out and characters were too presumptuous at times, especially how they were interacting with each other. Its like a sitcom at times but loses the concept line between every now and then. Good attempt though. all the best.

Gaurav Thapar

Surely addictive and takes the reader to a new high...waiting to explore the dark alleys and the underbelly of the city of joy...guess my intrigue has to peak before i visit and this will sure be another kaleidoscope of psychedelic colours for me to see Kolkata through!

Gaurav Thapar

The book has a good start but energy built in the start fades out with nuances of descriptions creeping into every new stage. The effect intended to be created by good words used by the writer are misplaced making it difficult for the reader to run through the pace of drama. I though liked the plot well representing the lack of resolve that an IIM grad faces; the societies biggest misconception when it look at one. The description about the characters should have been a little more aligned with the role writer wanted them to play. for Eg: I guess ugly is here just to be an instrument to highlight authors objectivity to liberal society. Thus the author should have focused on her leniency than her desperation and her life style for that matter!

About the author

MBA ( Main Bhi Author) from IIM Calcutta decided to write a dicklit and ended up writing a surprisingly hilarious yet dark book. Drama King, Closet entrepreneur ( read unemployed currently) and good at many things none of which can make money :( :p